Wednesday, September 29, 2010

9/29 Trey's monologue- Michelle V.

Trey is about to enter a Juvenile Hall, where he is to await his trial. He is currently being psychologically evaluated before being put in an appropriate Pod or self-contained areas.

TREY

It bothers me… no it pains me to hear that he’s missed. No, I didn’t say one goddamn thing about shooting him, did I? (shakes his head) Maybe the nice little officer that arrested me didn’t tell you about his rap sheet. (pause) I’m tired. The clothes you give us are to wear here, they keep me up. They’re stiff, and couldn’t keep a damn mouse warm in these stone walls. (pause, looks the psychologist up and down) I bet you came from a good family. (smirks) Nice haircut. Well Sammy didn’t have one growing up. You know, I used to go to school with that kid, and every day, and I mean every day he’d say something about how much he hated his step father. That bastard.

I met his mother a few times, and she wouldn’t even look me in the face when I came into the house. She’d hide a lot when she had to talk to us. She was ashamed of her bruises. The ones he gave her. You know he deserved it. Anyone would have done it, seeing her battered up like that. People loved her. And deep down, you’re glad scum like that is gone from the earth. When it comes to a human being like that, it doesn’t matter how he died, but that he died. That he’s gone. So that you don’t have to read another police report about it. Men like that have no right to pick on something so, so innocent. So gentle and nurturing… and… it’s not like she deserved it- you saw her! Kindest woman I’ve ever met… kind of like… my mom. (long pause) Before she died though.

Uhm, she died last year. Fell out of her bedroom window. (stares blankly down at the table) I didn’t, I don’t know what happened exactly. The police just said it was, that she was drunk, and yea, she drank a little, or a lot, but it’s only when he… when he’d hit her. Women, mothers especially shouldn’t be mistreated in that way. That’s the worst kind of way too. You should’ve seen her when she was sober. Mother of the year… no one could even come close. I was her everything, and she was mine. I’d do anything for her… anything. When I was a kid, the kids at school used to pick on me because I was smaller than all of them. They kept calling me baby. “Baby’s gonnna cry… baby doesn’t have his bottle… is he gonna cry?” And I’d get into some stupid fight and my mom would pick me up right away. And you know she never did yell at me, or tell me how disappointed she was in me. She just understood what I had to do in that situation.

So I understand why someone had to kill Sammy’s stepfather. If anything, I respect him. Because, I wish someone would have done the same for me. My mom, she was an alcoholic, it’s true, but it wasn’t because she wanted to be. It’s because he made her. She couldn’t handle the abuse alone… there had to be something she could turn too… I wasn’t enough, I was, I was too young and dumb to help her. All she had was that liquor that cabinet with the glass windows so she could window shop her next drink for the night. And if you’re judging my poor mother, then you can fuck off. Because that clean shaven face of yours, that fuckin haircut you got there and that red tie… is that silk?... it’s all a product of a nice, healthy, loving family. But I’m not judging you either. Don’t worry. You didn’t have it like me and Sammy. You were one of the lucky ones.

Assignment #5, performed 9/29

1
Safiya Martinez
Assignment #5
CW #602
Sammy is a fourteen year-old boy in an eighth grade class. He was born oxygen deprived,
and as a result suffered considerably. He has mobility issues, needs to use a motorized
wheelchair, and is severely underweight. Sammy’s hands lack the strength to manipulate a
keyboard or a pen for very long, and has aide who works as a scribe for him. He also has an
incredibly sharp wit, is astute interpersonally and can cut nearly anyone down to size with his
words alone. He is tough, and students recognize this. They do not treat Sammy as if he is a
victim, and whatever he serves up, his peers dish right back. He enjoys his popularity, but
there is a sadness too. Like any fourteen-year old boy, he is hormonal and curious, and really
just wants to find a girl who will date him.
SAMMY
Indiana, listen, listen what I want to know is why you never you know; stop when you see
me in the hall. I be trying to talk to you all the time, and you just out.

INDIANA
Shut up, Sammy. You’re the one who’s out. Your wheelchair goes type fast. I can’t keep up
with you.

SAMMY
No it’s not even like that. I’m always ducking this motherfucker right here—
[To Sean, his scribe and personal aide]

SEAN
Sammy—stop talking to me like that—

SAMMY
You be quiet, and bring me my water Sean.
And when you fill my water bottle, run that shit. And I mean, really run that shit. I don’t
want no germs, no lead in my shit. You understand? That’s how you get the bubonic plague
and all that.

SEAN
We’ve talked about this. You can get your own water.
2

SAMMY
Are you crazy or are you slow? I can barely press go on this bitch.
Get my water. And run that faucet for like a minute, minute and a half before you fill my
cup. You don’t watch The History Channel nigga? I know my history. You ain’t giving me
no infectious diseases cuz you tight you make minimum wage, and shit.
SEAN EXITS.

INDIANA
Why you talk to him like that?

SAMMY
I don’t like his ass, and he know it.

INDIANA
Rudeness. You so rude to everybody. That’s why nobody want to sit next to you at lunch.

SAMMY
What is you talking about? I stay with Darrel and them, all them cats in the tenth grade.

INDIANA
Whatever. You need to do your schoolwork, and stop playing around so much.

SAMMY
Well, I’m saying we could set up study dates and all that. You help me with math, you know
I’m hopeless, and I’ll write—not write, but help you Mr. Sugden’s position paper.

[SAMMY swats Indiana playfully]

SAMMY CONT’D
…C’mon yo, why you moving away?

INDIANA
Boy, you know you need to quit.

SAMMY
Alright, but you don’t need to leave though.

INDIANA
I have to go to afterschool, then my man is picking me up.

SAMMY
Word? Who you go out with?

INDIANA
[Sucks teeth, is quiet.]
3

SAMMY
Who you go out with? I won’t tell nobody.

INDIANA
With Michael.
SAMMY
Perkins?

INDIANA
Quinones.

SAMMY
Ugghh, I don’t like him. He stuck on stoops, and he got that fucked up ass hairline.

INDIANA
There is nothing wrong with his hair. And Sammy, you don’t like nobody.

SAMMY
A’ight, well I’mma see you tomorrow and you gonna help me with my math, right?

INDIANA
Yeah. See you tomorrow, Sammy…. [Turns away, then around to ask]
…Why you stay around here after class is over?

SAMMY
I gotta wait for Sean. He takes me out on the ramp.

INDIANA
Okay. See you tomorrow.

ENTER SEAN. He gives SAMMY his water bottle.

SAMMY
Thank you…

SEAN
It’s alright.

SAMMY
I’m not trying to bother you, but you think you could refill this? It’s a little warm.

SEAN
You’re coming with me then… and we’re going to the cooler. And you’re gonna fill it up.

SAMMY
A’ight, bet.

Anita's response to David E. Rodriguez's, "I'm Not Stupid"


Dr. Green’s two monologues located on pages 288 & 289 provides the audience with the most information about Roger and Ma.  His role is strong because of his unique position to analyze the two parties.  Plus, he’s a psychiatrist and definitely appears to be the most responsible here.  Therefore, my decision is based on character but I also think beginning with Dr. Green’s monologues helps to establish an emotional connection with the audience. 

Regret Monologue

So Em’s asked me the other day if I remembered what my first time was like. And I had to really think about it for a minute. Holy shit it’s been so long, and it seemed so far away like a mushroom trip from freshman year of high school. Oh Ricky. I lost my virginity freshman year to Ricardo, Ricardo… Ricar… what the fuck is his last name? Fuck I don’t believe I can’t remember his last name. Fucking weed. God I was so nervous but so was he. He was actually trembling and breathing like he had just sprinted to my house the moment I agreed to give him my virginity. He was so delicate like I was a dandelion. You know when they are all white like a blow ball and just a small breath could blow off all seeds off. He was that gentle. No ass smacking, no erotic asphyxiation, no handcuffs, no blow or weed, none of that shit. Everything he did was so amazing. Each touch, each kiss was like being touched on E. I mean when he was caressing my back and started kissing down my stomach it felt Incredible. Better than the sloppy drunken sex I have been having. Back then it was all so new and exciting and we just fit, like the first time we held hands and interlocked out fingers. When the foreplay finally ended and we started to have sex, everything stopped and it was like we were stealing time and we were never going to get caught, just Ricky and me in our own universe. I don’t remember the sex being like San Francisco earthquake-sex, decimating cities. But that didn’t mattered because we had this badass emotional connection. Just when we looked at each other it was different, the kind of connection that can only survive through innocence and ignorance. I miss that and I don’t at the same time. But the more I think about it the more I’m like, I really want feel like that again. I want to lose my breath and tingle again without being bent over my futon. (without putting my cervix through an mma fight.) I want to be nervous. I want to have those intense stares that make me blush and my eyes water. But how do you go back? It’s like heroin, the first high is best and you can never get that high ever again. That’s why the Chinese called it chasing the dragon but dragons don’t exist. So you keep chasing dragons and doing more drugs until finally your heart stops beating and your eyes don’t close. I don’t know what I want but I do know what I don’t want, I don’t want to be high anymore.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Opening Nobelmen-9/23-Pamela

Pamela Martin
CW 602



(Opening in salon as Nobelman and friends are having drinks. Rather posh English accents.)

Clement

So, George. Where is it you’ll be off to this evening? Perhaps you’ll be paying a visit to
Miss Ginney? Or do you fancy Miss Sophie tonite?
George
I think Miss Sophie shall be graced with my company this evening gents. Ah, she does have a heart for me.
C.
Oh come, man. She’s the same as all the rest.
G.
Clement, dear boy, you have never cultivated the sensibilities to appreciate the pleasures afforded by such a woman as she.
C.
Yes then. And, could you enlighten me as to just what special qualities she possesses that might earn such high praise?
G.
Sir, you take me for a cad. I may, discreetly enough tell you that she anticipates my every need–(with a dramatic flourish)leads me into temptation, and finally, delivers me from evil. (Laughter from the gents) Our relations are...quite special.
C.
Ever so special is it then? My man, I would count myself the lesser of your companions if you were allowed to delude yourself one moment longer. I am afraid, good fellow, that you are unable to distinguish the sincere from the artificial .It’s merely an act, my man. A good act I’ll grant you. (Turning to the others) I myself have enjoyed a night out at the theatre while the missus sat busy with her needlepoint. (Laughing)
G.
Clement, dear boy. I couldn’t possibly expect you to understand that which transcends your experience. It is not merely the money that she needs...She simply finds me irresistible. I don’t think she could be sweeter.
C.
Then have yet another libation my good man. This in aid to your physique (pouring his drink), as an aperitif shall we say, for the repast that lies ahead. For my money good sir, a fine French wine is the sweeter still. But to each his own, eh gentlemen? (Toasting George) May the wind fill your sails as you cross the seas bountiful. (Offhand) And good luck getting there–the Marlebourne Road remains in rut and ruin these days.
G.
You are too kind by half. (Raising his glass) Gentleman, to your health.(They down their drinks)
(Lights down, then up on the interior of house where Gerte, Sophie and others reside)



Gerte
(Speaks with a cockneyed accent)
And how are you keeping this fine evening Govenor? Well I do hope.
George
Yes, indeed. All goes well with me.
Gerte
I’m ever so glad to hear such. Always a pleasure to see you again in this part of town. I see you’ve brought along one of those bottles of wine you’re so fond of. Would you like I should open it for you? We might have a little drink just between the two of us, eh Gov?
George
Oh I do appreciate the offer madam, but I was thinking that perhaps Miss Sophie might be about...to share this small token of my esteem?
Gerte
Oh yes, of course Sir. Mind you, Miss Sophie’s just popped around the corner on a moment’s notice like. Maybe you and me could pass an hour or so sampling some of what must surely be the nectar of the gods. Eh, Govenor?
George
(disentangling himself) Madam. Your generosity overwhelms me. I can in all honesty but admit that I have been too long pining for... the smile, the perfume, of the beloved Miss Sophie.
Gerte
(Rebuffed) Oh yes, well I understands perfectly Govenor. You know, Miss Ginney’s here about. Nice girl, Ginney. Lovely really.
George
Yes, Miss Ginney. Yes, lovely.
Gerte
I don’t know when Miss Sophie might likely be returning–you could share that “token of your esteem” with Miss Ginney alright.
George
Madam, I am, if anything, a patient man.
Gerte
Yes, of course you are. Why I knows you for a right gentleman the first I laid eyes on you. Nows if you were to-- (Gerte stops short as Sophie enters)
Sophie (startled)
Oh, well. Hello, then...Sir George. Isn’t this a pleasant surprise then.
Gerte
The Govenor here was just saying hows where you were concerned, Sophie dear, he was as patient as the day is long. Isn’t that right, Gov?
George
Yes, I was in fact. (Looking Sophie up and down) Just that.
Gerte
Yes, and he’s brought this fancy bottle of – (George cuts her off)
George
This extraordinary Bordeaux, Sophie. For you. Shall we partake of some in more intimate quarters?
Sophie
Well, Sir George. I can’t imagine how a girl might refuse such a lavishness then. I’ve a glass or two for just such, if you’d care to join me. (George and Sophie exit)
Gerte (calling after them)
Always a pleasure, Govenor.
(Gerte busies herself as lights go down)

09/22 "Ménage de femme" Elina G.

Ménage de femme



In the empty university, a Cleaning Lady is passing the mop. Lori, student, arrives.


LORI

Good morning Maria!


MARIA

Good morning Missiz!


Lori sits and takes out a textbook from her bag. She starts to read. And then.


LORI

Maria...


Maria is sweeping and can't hear her.


LORI

Maria...



LORI

Maria I really like your dress. The delicate pattern mixing red hydrangea and Christmas tree really makes me travel. I mean, I feel like I'm in Marrakesh dancing, with a snake around my neck.



MARIA

Oh thank you miss!


LORI

You know Maria... Oh what a pretty name. Maria, Maria, I can smell an Italian pizza. Oh I feel the crunchy Parmesan, the deep flavor of the glass of chianti, Maria!


MARIA, happily smiling

Very nice miss. Very thank you. You havin class now? Early!


LORI

Could you please say « early » again ?


MARIA

Early!


LORI

Beloved music! Early. We are so connected Maria. Something big is gonna happend.


MARIA

Earthquake?


LORI

Oh! Yes I feel the same way.

Stunning Maria you're full of hidden metaphors. Yes my sweet I have Psych class in let's see -she watches her watch- 6 hours. But I couldn't risk being late. It's a very important class. And I confess I'm the kind of person that likes planning ahead, you don't mind?


MARIA

Yes Miss.


LORI

Oh you mean « no », how lovely. I want to know all about you. Since when do you wear this genuine hairdressing? I have a lot of friends at school but most of them don't say hi. Before, I was very sad about it, I thought there was something wrong with me. But now I know. My Uncle,my mother's brother, made me understand, and it took time, that there's , in fact, something wrong with them. I adore my Uncle Patrick. He adored me too when I was little because I was hairless. He doesn't like hair. He's a great psychiatrist. Now I only see him once a week for the therapy. But Maria, tonight he's coming for dinner. It has been ten years since he didn't come over. Because he's so proud I'm attending Professor Lautner's class. And Maria, I want you to be there too. I'm cooking. Of course you don't have to bring anything.




Reading Assignment #1 - Responses Due Wed 9/29

Hi all.  Here's the first reading assignment:

Read: "I'm Not Stupid" by David Rodriguez

Page 285 in the "Telling Tales" Anthology

Please respond to the following question by posting a comment below:
-- Imagine this play began with one of the monologues.  Which one and why?
Is your choice because of character or plot?

A Note on Reading:
Best way is to read twice.  Once to experience the piece, and the second time to do analysis.